X Restricts Grok’s Image Generation to Paying Subscribers Only After Drawing the World’s Ire
Grok image generation now paywalled after global backlash over non-consensual, sexualized AI content.
Matilda
X Restricts Grok’s Image Generation to Paying Subscribers Only After Drawing the World’s Ire
Grok Image Ban Sparks Global Outcry Elon Musk’s AI venture has slammed the brakes on Grok’s free image-generation tool—restricting it to paying X subscribers only—after a firestorm of international criticism over sexually explicit and non-consensual AI-generated images. The move comes amid mounting pressure from governments in the U.K., European Union, and India, all demanding urgent action against the misuse of artificial intelligence to create harmful content. Credit: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/ Getty Images The controversial feature, which launched with minimal safeguards, allowed any user to upload photos and prompt Grok to generate altered versions—including nude or sexualized depictions of real people. Within days, social media feeds were flooded with disturbing AI creations featuring celebrities, public figures, and even minors, igniting widespread alarm and calls for accountability. From Open Access to Paywall: A Reactive Fix? On Friday, Grok quietly updated its policy: only verified X …